For 38 years, Max Cryer has lived "very happily" in his villa on a rocky outcrop of Maungakiekie - One Tree Hill - but the upkeep of a big home and garden has become too much for the full-time writer and broadcaster.
![Max Cryer](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/P47IW5OBHRUGT6DKFPIH6VRZTI.jpg?auth=d5b1ec98a9224957d074a47e62860617aa5dba59a09a10ed804519c1e374a0a7&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
"I love the extensive grounds of my house but I need the time to concentrate on my work - they don't seem to match up, like I always seem to have a deadline at the same time as I need to do pruning,"
The singer, New Zealand television entertainment pioneer and author of best-selling non-fiction works has reluctantly put "Emerald Hill" up for sale.
The brick homestead, dating back to 1907-1909, is a landmark in Mays Rd, Onehunga. "It's my haven of quiet," said Cryer, though he said it had also been the scene of a great deal of music, laughter and partying.